arizona wildlife winter 2015 news · 2019-10-29 · back cover courtesy of photography student...

Arizona Wildlife News

Arizona Wildlife Winter 2015

Volume 57 Issue 4www.azwildlife.orgwww.azwildlife.orgwww.azwildlife.orgwww.azwildlife.orgOfficial publication of the Arizona Wildlife Federation - Conserving Arizonaʼs wildlife and wildlife habitat

2 ARIZONA WILDLIFE NEWS VOLUME 57 * ISSUE 4 WINTER 2015

In This Issue

Page 3 President’s CornerPage 4 Regional RoundupPage 6 Buffelgrass Page 8 Wildlife and Military Base

PreservationPage 9 SRP Healthy Forests ConferencePage 10 Northern Arizona Shooting

RangePage 11 Keep our Public Lands PublicPage 12 Teaching Conservation-

Trout in the ClassroomPage 14 BOW HappeningsPage 16 PLREDPage 17 Arizona Organizations UnitePage 18 Historical Tales1 Camp CookPage 22 Members

The front cover photo courtesy of George Andrejko with the ArizonaGame & Fish.

Back cover courtesy of photography student Deanna Bailey.A light dusting of snow covers Lockett Meadow and the tops of SanFrancisco Peaks.

If you have a photo you would like to submit for our cover, pleasecontact Kimberlee at [email protected]

ARIZONA WILDLIFE NEWS * VOLUME 57 * WINTER 2015published by the ARIZONA WILDLIFE FEDERATION

An Affiliate of the National Wildlife FederationPO Box 51510, Mesa, AZ 85208 * 480-644-0077

The official publication of the Arizona Wildlife Federation, the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, Arizona Wildlife News (ISSN)is published quarterly as a service to affiliate members and Federation members. AWF is Arizona’s oldest conservation organization. The editorials andcommentaries in this publication do not necessarily reflect the mission or position of the Arizona Wildlife Federation. AWF is an equal opportunityprovider.

The Arizona Wildlife Federation welcomes stories, art and photographic contributions. We will consider, but assume no responsibility for unsolicitedproposals, manuscripts, art, photographs and transparencies. Contact the Federation office at 480-644-0077 for details.

Advertising inquiries should be directed to the Arizona Wildlife Federation at the above address or phone number or by [email protected]. AWF does not assume any financial responsibility for errors in advertisements that appear in this publication. If notified promptly ofan error, we will reprint the corrected ad.

Board PresidentVP of Operations

VP of ConservationSecretaryTreasurer

NWF RepresentativeImmediate Past President

DirectorDirector

EDITORCOPY EDITOR

DESIGN & LAYOUTPRINTING

Linda DightmonKimberlee KreuzerLinda DightmonLang Printing & Mailing

Brad PowellThom Hulen

Linda DightmonJohn Doss

Ryna Rock

Mike MatthiesonGlen Dickens

Valerie Morrill

Jody LatimerSarah LunaKellie TharpThom Hulen

Brad PowellBrad PowellGlen DickensRyna RockJerry Thorson Bob VahleTom MackinKellie TharpBen Alteneder

Duane NelsonMaggie Sacher

Loren ChaseTrica Oshant Hawkins

Loyd BarnettBob VahleTom Mackin

Tom MackinIan DowdyLew CarpenterDJ Zor

DIRECTORS AT LARGE

CONTRIBUTORS

AWF MISSION STATEMENTAWF is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating,

inspiring and assisting individuals to value, conserve, enhance,manage and protect wildlife and wildlife habitat.

ARIZONA WILDLIFE NEWS

2015/16 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

ARIZONA WILDLIFE FEDERATION

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

REGIONAL DIRECTORS

OTHER OFFICERS

Ben AltenederMaggie Sacher

Legislative LiaisonFederal Agency Liaison

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WINTER 2015 VOLUME 57 * ISSUE 4 ARIZONA WILDLIFE NEWS 3

President’s CornerBy Brad Powell

WW ith the cooler weatherand the approach of theHoliday season, I was

reminded of the wish list of gifts thatwe all compiled when we were kids.The list of things I would like forChristmas this year is significantlydifferent that the list of toy guns,trucks and candy that I dreamed ofas a youth. I am sure your list maybe different than mine but I also betsince you care about Arizona’s fishand wildlife that we will share somesimilar wishes.

My wishes:

Arizona’s state legislature needs toquit wasting our hard earned taxmoney trying to take over the Federalpublic lands. There is a long list ofreasons why this effort is misdirectedbut a few of them include that itsunconstitutional, would ultimatelysignificantly reduce access to theselands and is way beyond the financialmeans of the State to manage theselands. While we can all agree thatthere are problems with the Federalland management system this crazyidea needs to go extinct.

Congress needs to reauthorize theLand and Water Conservation Fund.This fund has been one of our nations

most successful Conservation laws.Congress this year let it lapse for thefirst time in its 50 year history. TheLand and Water Conservation Fund(LWCF) has provided funding (offshore oil receipts) to help protect someof Arizona’s most special places andensure recreational access for hunting,fishing and other outdoor activities.Arizona has received over $200 millionin LWCF funding over the past fourdecades, investing in important areassuch as the Grand Canyon andSaguaro national parks, Lake MeadNational Recreation Area, CoconinoNational Forest, Buenos Aires NationalWildlife Refuge, San Pedro RiparianNational Conservation Area. LWCFgrants also provided the funding tolocal communities to create trails,parks, playgrounds, urban wildliferefuges, greenways and other recre-ational facilities.

Pass the Public Lands RenewableEnergy Development Act. Arizona isblessed with a bounty of renewableenergy resources. This important billintroduced by Congressman Gosarand Co-sponsored by virtually all of theStates delegation shares the royaltyrevenues that result from renewableenergy development with the State,County and a conservation funddesigned to mitigate the effects of

large-scale development.

For my final wish I hope that all ofyou whether you are a hunter,angler, birdwatcher, hiker or camperget involved, talk to your legislators,help them understand the importanceof Arizona’s outdoor legacy. Ourlegislators often have a poorunderstanding of what we value. Letsmake sure we do our part to helpthem learn about Arizona’s outdoorresources and ultimately to beaccountable to you and I, the voters.

Letters to the Editor

Keep your communications shortand to the point. All must be signed.If you send us questions, we will seekanswers and print them here. Theremay be times mail volume mayprevent us from publishing everyletter we receive, but we will do ourbest to print as many as possible.

Send your ‘snail mail’ to:AWF Mail Pouch Arizona Wildlife FederationPO Box 51510, Mesa, AZ 85208

Send your e-mail to:[email protected]

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REGIONAL ROUNDUPRegion II - Tom MackinRegional Director

Aug 25 – Attended the Annual meeting of the Northern ArizonaShooting Foundation, the operating entity for the AZGFDNorthern Arizona Shooting Range (NASR), where I was electedto a three year term as a Director at LargeAug 26 – Attended the monthly Four Forest RestorationInitiative (4FRI) Stakeholder Group meeting in Pinetop wherewe discussed the upcoming new EIS for activities on the Eastside of the 4FRI area and other topicsAug 27 – With numerous FS staff and FoNAF volunteers,worked on modifying ¾ mile of fencing in GMU7E to improvepronghorn/wildlife movementsAug 28 – Met with AZGFD Region II representatives for a visitto a proposed HPC project in GMU6B/11M to protect wildlifehabitat from OHV abuses in the important Woody RidgeWildlife CorridorAug 28 – Along with representatives from TRCP and NorthernArizona Flycasters, we met with a staff member from Sen. JohnMcCain office to discuss the proposed Lee’s ferry operationrecommendations, the reauthorization and full funding of theLand and Water Conservation Fund(LWCF) and the importanceof reaching a bi-partisan budget agreement before sequestrationcommencesAug 29 – With several FoNAF volunteers we worked on mainte-nance and repair of several aspen exclosures in GMU7EAug 30 – Worked as a volunteer Range Safety Officer at theAZGFD NASR

Aug 31 – With another FoNAF volunteer we visited a historicalhomestead site adjacent to an important spring in GMU6A wherethe FS has requested assistance to build a log worm fence tokeep OHV’s from driving into a wet meadow area.Sept 1 – With another volunteer, we assisted AZGFD region IIstaff with preparations for the upcoming Coconino County Faitexhibit highlighting family recreational opportunities, WatchableWildlife and other related topicsSept 2 – Continued Fair preparationsSept 2 – Attended the joint meeting of the Grand CanyonChapter of Trout Unlimited and Northern Arizona Flycasters,discussing the upcoming Trout In The Classroom activitiesinvolving three local schools. Received a presentation on thehistory and current status of the Lake Powell fisherySept 3 – Assisted with the setup of the AZGFD booth at theCoconino County FairSept 4 – Volunteered at the AZGFD booth at the FairSept 5 - Volunteered at the AZGFD booth at the FairSept 7 - Volunteered at the AZGFD booth at the Fair Sept 8 & 9 – Assisted AZGFD staff with elk surveys in GMU 9,south of Grand Canyon NPSept 10 – Attended Board meeting for Northern ArizonaShooting RangeSept 11 – With several other FoNAF volunteers, made repairs toa wet meadow exclosure fence surrounding Hoxworth Spring SEof Flagstaff in preparation for Forest Service planting of Bebb’s

Modifying Fences for Pronghorn



Willow at this former location of willowsSept 12 – Attended a training session for Trout In TheClassroom (TIC) presented jointly by Trout Unlimited (TU) andAZGFD. TU has coordinated having TIC in 18 schools aroundthe state this year, an increase from 3 in previous yearsSept 14 – Assisted AZGFD development Branch with installa-tion of a new storage tank liner and collector repairs in GMU9 Sept 15 – With FS employees and volunteers from FoNAFassisted with modifications to several miles of range fences onthe CNF to make them more wildlife friendlySept 17 – With other members of AWWE, we visited RogersLake Natural Area for a site visit to see existing progress anddiscuss future plans and improvementsSept 19 – Attended the AWF BOD meeting held in FlagstaffSept 22 – Attended the AZSFWC meeting in PhoenixSept 23 – Attended the monthly 4FRI stakeholders meeting inFlagstaff, discussing the planning process for the east sideanalysis areaSept 24 – Returned to GMU9 to continue work on trick tankrebuildSept 25 – With FoNAF volunteers assisted with build of newlog worm fence at Babbitt Spring to reduce motorized access tohistoric cabin site and wetlandSept 26 - Assisted with demonstrations and public outreach forjoint USFS and AZGFD National Public Lands. NationalHunting and Fishing Day at Lake Mary outside Flagstaff Sept 27 – Assisted with AZGFD Hunter Ed Field Day for 19students at the Northern Arizona Shooting Range outsideFlagstaffSept 28 - Returned to GMU9 to complete work on trick tankrebuildSept 29 – Met with AZGFD Region II Habitat Manager to prioritize HPC proposalsSept 30 – Met with Mingus Union H.S. TIC teacher and assistedwith tank setup in preparation for egg deliveryOct 2 – Assisted FoNAF and FS with repairs to a large wetmeadow exclosure recently damaged by winds and runoff. Site

was recently planted with Bebb’s Willows in hopes to restorethis historic willow locationOct 9 – With another volunteer we visited the site of a trick tankrebuild in GMU7W and welded approximately 350 of new piperail exclosure fenceOct 11 – Led hike for visitors to Flagstaff Arboretum discussinghistory of Arboretum, importance of our ponderosa pine forestsand other general topics about the Arboretum and gardensOct 12 – With another volunteer we worked on water distribu-tion on the Pat Springs Pipeline in preparation for wintershutdown, making sure drains are open, drinkers topped offand tanks are at least 50% fullOct 13 – Continued work on the Pat Springs PipelineOct 14 – Attended the Annual meeting for FoNAF, includingelection of Officers and discussed plans for the 2016 workseasonOct 15 – Attended the Hunt Recommendation meeting atAZGFD Reg. II office on the proposed hunt tag levels forvarious game species for 2016Oct 18 – Returned to trick tank rebuild in GMU7W butconstruction has been delayed due to road and soil conditionsOct 23 -27 – Continued winterizing of Pat Springs pipeline andother trick tanks in preparation for colder conditionsNov 1 - Completed winterizing of Pat Springs pipeline and othertrick tanks in preparation for colder conditionsNov 9 – Met with reporter and photographer at the AZGFDNorthern Arizona Shooting Range(NASR) to provide themwith information regarding the Range, some future plans andmembership opportunitiesNov 10 – Attended the BOD meeting for the Northern ArizonaShooting Foundation, the operators of the NASR and discussedplans for 2016Nov 13 – Attended the Community Open meeting of the DiabloTrust and I made a presentation on some of the years accom-plishments relative to wildlife and carrying capacity on theranches

New welded pipe fence at a trick tank in Unit 7WAES volunteers repair a trick tank in Unit 9



Habitat destruction is the greatest threat to wildlife. Habitatdestruction can occur rapidly, for example habitat destroyed byfire, urban spread, chemical spills and mineral development or itcan occur slowly with the spread of invasive species and climatechange. As is often evident in our modern world, habitatdestruction is the result of several factors working together.

Great examples of this “synergy” of activities are the spread ofinvasive species facilitated by changes in climate.

In Arizona one major threat to habitat is the spread ofBuffelgrass Pennisetum ciliare. Buffelgrass was introduced to thesouthwestern United States in the 1930s from Africa as cattle

BuffelgrassBuffelgrass

by Thom Hulen

There is no doubt that buffelgrass isThere is no doubt that buffelgrass isan existential threat to the Sonoranan existential threat to the SonoranDesert and we desperately need toDesert and we desperately need tomanage this problem.manage this problem.



forage. Even though several introduction efforts failed in Arizonait did grow well in Sonora, Mexico and by the early 1980’s smallpopulations were recorded growing in southern Arizona. Sincethen buffelgrass has spread rapidly throughout the SonoranDesert and where conditions are suitable buffelgrass canovertake native vegetation.

Buffelgrass threatens Sonoran Desert plants by overcrowding andoutcompeting native plants for water and sunshine. Buffelgrass’sdense stem and leaf growth makes too much shade for nativeseed germination.

Another important factor is that buffelgrass is adapted toseasonal wildfire whereas most Sonoran Desert plants are not.The saguaro, a Sonoran Desert keystone species, and all cacti,and the various palo verde trees conduct photosynthesis on itstrunks and limbs. Palo verde trees do have leaves but their trunksand limbs are the primary sites for photosynthesis. Succulentssuch as yucca and agave plants have broad long lasting leaves.When these plants are subjected to fire the primary or onlysurface where photosynthesis occurs is destroyed and the plantdies.

There have been significant buffelgrass wildfires in southernArizona and Senora, Mexico. Today thousands of acres offormerly Sonoran Desert habitat in Sonoran have beentransformed into buffelgrass pasture.

The livestock industry in Mexico continues to grow buffelgrass asa valuable livestock forage. This makes control efforts in Arizonamore challenging. Furthermore there is research in developinga more cold tolerant variety. A cold tolerant variety wouldencourage the buffelgrass invasion beyond the Sonoran Desert.

In Arizona, the primary disbursal pathway are roadways whereseeds catch a ride on vehicles. It is quite common to seebuffelgrass growing along roads in southern Arizona. Under theright conditions, buffelgrass will grow outward from the roadsinto the adjacent landscape. In my experience, the buffelgrassbegins its infestation along desert swales and washes wherethere is more water available. In areas with suitable precipitationbuffelgrass will migrate up slopes, particularly in areas thatpreviously burned.

Land managers and volunteers have been working to controlbuffelgrass by organizing events where buffelgrass is removed byhand and treated with herbicides such as glyphosate(Roundup™).

Today buffelgrass is a significant threat in the Saguaro National

Monument near Tucson where hundreds of acres are infestedand park managers have determined that aerial spraying isnecessary to protect the monument’s native plants.

There is no doubt that buffelgrass is an existential threat to theSonoran Desert and we desperately need to manage thisproblem.

Mechanical removal with hand tools is not practical in all areasand there is some concern that buffelgrass is spreadinadvertently this way. Herbicide treatment works, but aswith just about anything people do there are unintendedconsequences. We are all familiar with the unintendedconsequences of pesticides on wildlife such as DDT on bird shellformation. Recently some evidence that suggests glyphosatesmay be contributing to the crash in honey bee populations.

Like it or not we are stewards of our planet and it is ourresponsibility to make sure our actions do not destroy what weneed to survive. Humans are probably unique in that our survivalrelies on aesthetic values. We are nourished by beautiful plants,animals and landscapes just as we are by clean air, water andfood.

Buffelgrass infestation is just one of the conservation challengeswe face today. Fortunately it is one challenge we can master if wetake the right management steps.

First we need to eliminate buffelgrass dispersal along roadways.State and counties road departments do treat right of ways forweeds, but their effort is not enough. There needs to be moreaggressive and systematic treatment of infested areas.

Second we should do what it takes to manage buffelgrass onplaces such as Organ Pipe National Monument, Saguaro NationalPark, Ironwood Forest National Monument and eventually alllands.

To discourage wildfire private land owners and localgovernments should take responsibility to help reduce thethreats encouraged by buffelgrass infestations.

Third discourage the continued cultivation of buffelgrass inMexico and the further development of new buffelgrassvarieties.

Like most if not all invasive species, we will probably noteliminate buffelgrass from our landscapes but we can make surethat buffelgrass does not destroy the Sonoran Desert and itswildife. That would be too great a loss to suffer.



FF act: The Department of Defense manages a higherdensity of threatened and endangered species onmilitary lands and ranges throughout the United

States than any other agency. This is one of several findings that were shared with

communities throughout Arizona over the past summer and fallin a unique collaboration between my organization, theSonoran Institute, the Arizona Wildlife Federation, Arizonamilitary leaders, and urban planners.

For years I, and many of my other colleagues in theconservation community have recognized that military rangesare exemplary stewards of the wildlife that live on and aroundthese facilities and that it is high time that we raise awarenessabout encroachment pressures that are caused by landmanagement decisions outside of military lands in rural areasof Arizona.

Over the past eight years, it has become clearer thatthe health of landscapes around military facilities is directlyconnected to the operability and efficiency of the trainingactivities that occur there. In our research, three specific casescome to mind and are featured in the report “Mutual Benefit:Preserving Arizona’s Military Mission and the Value of Publicly-Owned Lands.” The report was released in Washington DC inJuly of this year.

First, water resources are scarce in many areas andrequire a careful balance between users and its benefit to thenatural environment. In the case of Fort Huachuca, the SanPedro River and the endangered Huachuca water umbelrelies on the same source of water as the legendary militaryinstallation. Thankfully, over recent years the installation hasfocused on water conservation and now aims to live in

harmony with this incredible natural feature.Secondly, wildlife know no boundaries between the public

lands around military installations like the Barry GoldwaterRange and other desert lands nearby. For the endangeredSonoran pronghorn, the range is just as much its home as theCabeza Prieta Wildlife Refuge that has seen significantdegradation over the past decade from border crossers andresulting enforcement activities. As a result of the greatstewardship of the Range and wildlife organizations, thisspecies has seen a tremendous recovery from only about 20individual animals in 2002 to over 200 today.

Third, development pressures are no longer confined toprivate and state landholdings in Arizona. Today, renewableenergy development has become a land user across federallands and can occur in areas that were considered too remoteto require mitigation planning and prevention. In militarySpecial Use Airspace that covers 51% of the state, thesevertical obstructions could occur in a variety of areas, reducingthe efficiency of the military mission.

These three examples are among many that we discuss inour report. They demonstrate why communities should acceptresponsibility to proactively identify and resolve encroachmentissues before they become a burden on the military mission. Inthe first example, while Fort Huachuca found it necessary toimplement significant water conservation measures, the largershare of the responsibility should rest with Sierra Vista andother communities in the region who draw from the aquifer andcompound the problem. Like the other examples, the militaryfacility is often faced with the larger share of the burden ofresolving the problem when it should be addressed by thebroader range of contributors.

Wildlife and Military BasePreservationBy Ian Dowdy, AICP



In the second case, where the Barry Goldwater Rangebears significant responsibility for managing the endangeredSonoran pronghorn, it seems logical that increased attentionshould be placed on conserving wildlife blocks and corridorssurrounding the facility so that it will have a smaller share ofmanagement scrutiny and expense. Again, had proactivemeasures been implemented to conserve habitat and reducethe impacts of border-related activities, it could be that thisiconic North American species would enjoy a broader rangeand require less active management expense toward a moresuccessful recovery.

In the third case, solar development is generally not amajor concern for military operations, though towers in MilitaryTraining Routes can cause a notable obstruction and apotential risk to pilots. Other major activities that could occurin federal lands are also worthy of additional scrutiny as theycan cause further habitat fragmentation, obstruct movementcorridors, and infringe on the use of lands by recreationists. Itis essential that the overall habitat integrity be consideredwhen land management decisions are made in order toreduce the direct, indirect, and perceived encroachmentthreats on military missions.

Overall, the aim of the study was to demonstrate thatwhile the U.S. military are generally excellent stewards ofwildlife and natural lands in Arizona, policy decisions andactions involving lands near to these installations and rangesmust recognize that the landscape is interconnected and thatactions will almost certainly impact military operations andeffectiveness.

The “Mutual Benefit” report and its subsequent meetingsat the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill, and in four workshops inArizona, resulted in significant outreach and awareness of thisbig-picture issue. Huge thanks to the Arizona WildlifeFederation and Ben Alteneder, Glen Dickens, and Tom Mackinwho participated in the forums and helped to review thereport.

To learn more please visit:http://www.sonoraninstitute.org/where-we-work/south-

west/military-mission-preservation.htmlIan Dowdy, AICP, MBA is the Director of the Sun Corridor

Legacy Program and is based out of Phoenix.Sonoran Pronghorn photo courtesy of the Arizona

Antelope Foundation.

AWF co-hosted a partnership booth at the recent SRP Healthy Forests Conference in Scottsdale.Thanks to AWF at-large BOD members, Thom Hulen and Sarah Luna, and important partner groupsTrout Unlimited and Audubon's Western River Action Network for being there to distribute informationabout shared goals and priorities.

Tice Supplee, Jim Walker and Sarah Luna

SRP Healthy Forests Conference



AA fter several long decades of frustration anddisappointment, in July of 2012, residents andsportsmen of Arizona welcomed the opening of

the Arizona Game and Fish Department NorthernArizona Shooting Range (NASR), approximately 20miles SE of Flagstaff and only 5 miles from I-40 atWinona. The AZGFD, after trying for Forest Service landexchanges or permits finally agreed that the best andmost expeditious course would be to purchase asuitable piece of land that met the needs for rangedevelopment. When the 160 acre Foster Ranch becameavailable, a purchase agreement was negotiated at aninitial cost of approximately $2,000,000. Since theopening, numerous improve-ments have been made andprogress will continue in theyears to come.

Operated by the non- profit allvolunteer Northern ArizonaShooting Foundation, the range iscurrently open to the public onFriday through Sunday, 11 AMuntil 3 PM. Current amenitiesinclude a 12 position 50 yardrange, a 14 position 100 yardrange, both primarily used for rifleand pistol shooting. In additionthere are 5 trap fields including one with a skeet overlay andour ever popular 12 position sporting clays field. Dependingon weather and road conditions, a 5 stand field is alsofrequently available. There is also a new 5 target archeryfixed distances target practice area and for 2016 there willbe a 14 target 3D walk through course available as well.

This range is important to the shooting public overallbut it also provides some additional benefits. Prior to theopening of the range, local, State and Federal LawEnforcement agencies would often have to conduct their

trainings and qualifications on Forest Service land, usuallyan abandoned cinder pit, gravel or material barrow pit,areas that have been used and abused extensively foryears. These sites were not safe, secure or even suitable inmany cases for these law enforcement activities. Through auser arrangement, over 15 agencies are now able to use theNASR on a reservation basis Monday through Thursday,providing a much better location for these activities. Inaddition, the AZGFD Hunter Education Program mandatoryField Day/live fire exercises also had to resort to these samehazardous locations but now, the NASR hosts 6-8 HunterEd events each year, certifying over 200 students fromaround the State.

Additional reservations havebeen made for specialized groupsrequesting training and range timeincluding Scout troops, first timeWomen’s shooters classes, privatecitizens wishing to gain familiaritywith new or existing weapons andmany others. In addition, there areseveral competitive or practicesessions reserved for PracticalPistol, Cowboy Style shooters,various registered trap, skeet orsporting clays events and manyothers each month.

The Arizona Wildlife Federation has strongly endorsedour citizens firearm ownership rights, the need for theHunter Education program, support for our law enforcementagencies and all of these items require a suitable area topractice safe firearms handling and improve weaponsproficiency. The NASR and Foundation are therefore veryimportant to the membership of the AWF and the citizensof our State. For membership, range hours, volunteeropportunities and other information please visit theirwebsite, http://www.northernarizonashootingrange.org/.

Northern AZ Shooting Range

Tom MackinRegion II, DirectorPhotos by Jake Bacon

Richard "Dick" Kersey & Tom Mackin at the 100 yard rifle pistol range.



AA rizona hunters and anglers have serious concernsabout transferring federal public lands to Arizonato be managed by the state. On October 20, I was

at the Capitol sharing my concerns at a packed Senatehearing along with taxpayers, conservation grouprepresentatives, and others from across Arizona. It isimportant to point out that many transfer opponents in theroom are very often not in agreement on a host of otherissues.

It is also significant that the Committee mandated to studythe transfer of public lands – the so-called Transfer of PublicLands Committee - has thus far failed to hear from importantwildlife management agencies, outdoor recreationists or otherstakeholders who might be impacted by the transfer of publiclands. Yet, at the October 20 hearing, opposition witnesseswere limited to two minutes for their presentations, oftenstopped in mid-sentence and much like the old “Gong Show,”pulled from the podium. The witnesses that spoke in favor ofthe transfer were given unlimited time. Two of the committeemembers objected to this obvious bias but were told by thecommittee chair that she was in charge and would do as shewished. The bias of the committee Co-chairs throughout thehearing is apparent and unfortunate.

This Committee was established by Governor Ducey toconsider the implications of transferring Arizona’s public landsto Arizona. This is not a new idea. In 2014, the Governorvetoed 3 related measures, as had former Governor Brewer in2012. In addition putting an exclamation point on this issue,Arizona citizens (over 1.3 million) voted by a 2-1 margin tooppose the transfer in 2012.

Yet, here we were again discussing why the transfer is abad idea. And, right now in Arizona it is a particularly bad idea.Here’s why.

Public Lands AccessIn Arizona wildlife enthusiasts, sportsmen and women

depend on our Federal public lands for hunting, fishing andwildlife viewing. These public lands, including our NationalForests, Wildlife Refuges and Bureau of Land Managementlands are the strongholds for fish and wildlife, they provide ourclean water and provide the access for a vibrant outdoor-basedrecreation economy. A century old tradition of hunting andfishing dependent on access to our public lands is at risk.

Shortage of private lands mythThe Arizona State Land department manages 9.2 million

aces of land. At Statehood, Arizona was granted 10.9 millionacres of land. for the sole purpose of generating revenue

primarily for the states education program. A primary method ofgenerating revenue is to sell these lands to the highest bidder.Arizona currently has 12.1 million acres of private land. If moreland is needed for development or to increase the tax basecertainly this 9.1 million acres will accommodate that need formany years

.Public Lands Costs Why would Arizona seek billions of dollars of liability and

management responsibility to assume ownership of the25 million acres or so of parks, forests and public lands inour State? Arizona’s State budget has struggled to pay foressential services and has cut back substantially onmanagement of state parks and other state lands. Firefightingcosts alone would exceed the States budget ability – thefederal government faced a $1.74 billion price tag for wildfiremanagement on the nation’s public lands in 2013. In Arizona’sbad fire years the federal expenditure has topped $100 Million,the state allocates 5 million per year for fire fighting expenses.In addition a massive expansion would be required for the stategovernment to adequately assume the land managementresponsibilities. State legislators would need to push throughexorbitant tax hikes or sell off the most valuable parcels to thehighest bidder.

Neighboring States in the West have studied the idea andconcluded that the cost would take a toll on their budget.Idaho found that it would run a deficit of nearly $111 million peryear if it were to take on management of just 16.4 million of the34 million acres of public land within the state’s boundaries.Montana’s land management costs, would range from $300million to $500 million annually.

Litigation CostsThe transfer of public lands will almost certainly fail to

survive court challenges – at a time when the state simplycannot afford more and more costly litigation. Millions oftaxpayer dollars have already been wasted on this effortacross the west -why would we continue to throw more goodmoney after bad.

Arizona is blessed with a treasure of Federal Public lands.If the Transfer of Public Lands committee does their jobwithout a bias it will show that this bad idea will result inhigher taxes, the sale of important fish and wildlife habitats,lessened public access for outdoor Recreation and significantbudget deficits for the State. Lets let our elected representa-tives know that its time for them to work with the FederalGovernment to improve their management and quit wastingour valuable tax dollars on this absurd idea.

Keep our Public Lands Public

By Brad Powell, AWF President



The Arizona Council and chapters of TroutUnlimited are bringing the excitement of theoutdoors to classrooms throughout Arizona

with an expanded Trout-In-the-Classroom (TIC)Program. Trout-In-the-Classroom brings nature intothe schools by offering students of all ages a chance toraise trout in a classroom setting. Caring for the fishfosters a conservation ethic in the students and a con-nection between caring for the fish and caring for thewater. The program is a unique way to bring lessonsabout aquatic ecosystems, water quality, life cycles,food, fish biology and fishing recreation into the class-room.

Arizona’s Trout-In-the-Classroom is an interdisciplinaryprogram in which students in grades 3 - 12 learn aboutcoldwater conservation while raising trout from eggsto fingerlings in a classroom aquarium. The program hasapplications in environment, ecology, science,mathematics, social studies, language, fine arts, andphysical education. The program also offers classroom andfield trip curriculum to give the students both a hands-onand outdoors experience to enable them to understand theimportance of our fisheries and water conservation.

Throughout the school year Trout-In-the-Classroomallows students to:

• Raise trout from egg to fry.• Monitor tank water quality.• Learn to appreciate water resources and the

impor tance of cold-water conservation.• Foster a conservation ethic.• Begin to understand and appreciate ecosystems.• Apply science, math standards and concepts to

real-world applications.

One of the many reasons for schools enrolling in theTIC program is the diversity of subject matter that teacherscan integrate into their lesson plans through raising trout.During the year, each teacher can tailor the program to fithis/her own curriculum needs. TIC can easily help teacherscover S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Trout-In-The-ClassroomTrout-In-The-Classroom

By John Doss and DJ Zor

“They’re hatching!”“Cool.”“Awesome!”“Yesterday they were just eggs!”“We need to take care of the little fishies now.”

Words of excitement every teacher and conservationistwants to hear from students.

Teaching ConservationTeaching Conservation

Students at Foothills Academy in Cave Creek


as well as art, reading, language arts, social studies, andeven Arizona’s history. This unique learning experienceallows students the opportunity to raise, care for andmaintain the trout in their classroom starting in the fallthrough the end of the school year. At the conclusion of theschool year, the trout will be picked up by the Arizona Game& Fish Department.

The TIC program has many interdisciplinary applica-tions and connects all students (urban, suburban, rural) totheir community by reinforcing the importance of water andwildlife conservation.

Trout are an ideal subject to introduce these topics.The timeline of a trout’s development synchs well with theschool year calendar. Eggs hatch and fish grow whileschool is in session, providing students the opportunity toexperience life cycles as part of their education. As anindicator species, trout directly reflect the quality of water inwhich they live. It has been said that “If fish can’t live in thewater, we can’t drink it”.

In the Classroom Arizona’s Trout-In-the-Classroom has ambitiously

expanded in the 2015 - 2016 school year from 3 to 17classrooms involving over 1,800 students. On September12th, 12 new teachers and 20 volunteers attended aday-long workshop for training including equipment set-up,water quality, aquarium maintenance, care and feeding ofthe fish. Participating schools are located in Bouse, CaveCreek, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, Glendale, Goodyear,Litchfield, Paradise Valley, Payson, Peoria, Phoenix, Pine,Prescott, Scottsdale, Tucson, and Wickenburg.

In elementary school, the focus can be on caring,growth, understanding life cycles, and the seasons. A highschool program might explore water chemistry, the nitrogencycle, natural resource management, watershed geologyand ecology. Young anglers better understand the value oftheir local fisheries when they have seen the trout life cycleup close and personal in this way.

These Arizona schools are now part of a network ofover 4,400 classrooms in 36 states involving over 100,000students.

Teachers comment that “one of the most positiveaspects of the TIC program is that it takes science out of thetext book and makes it come alive for students”.

Partnerships Arizona’s statewide TIC program is made possible

through a unique partnership between The Arizona Councilof Trout Unlimited, individual TU Chapters and volunteers,Arizona Fish and Game Department and the ArizonaSportsmen For Wildlife Conservation. This partnershipprovides curriculum resources, workshops for teachers,volunteers and program partners, technical support, trouteggs and funding.

Trout Unlimited is dedicated to providing staff andvolunteer support for teachers, serving as a TIC go-toresource for teachers and is instrumental in securingfunding to sponsor teachers in covering the cost of theequipment and program.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department provides thetrout eggs, supplemental materials/equipment, staff and

volunteer support for teachers, and supporting curriculummaterials and/or activities to aid teachers in the success ofthe program.

The Arizona State Council of Trout Unlimited received agenerous grant from the Arizona Sportsmen For WildlifeConservation (AZSFWC) to help fund a large portion of theequipment costs for starting many of the new schools in theprogram.

AZSFWC is an umbrella organization that serveswildlife conservation and sportsmen’s organizationsthroughout the state of Arizona. Their membership isdiverse yet focused on all things important to wildlife, itshabitat and to furthering the hunting and angling heritage forfuture generations. The funding provided comes largelyfrom their conservation license plate fund and is provided toorganizations for work in one of three categories: habitat,education or hunter/angler recruitment projects. By going towww.servicearizona.com to renew a vehicle license, onecan select to choose the option for a conservation platewhich will cost an extra $25. Of that amount, $17 isreturned to AZSFWC for funding eligible conservationprojects such as the TIC program.

Volunteers are a key factor in supporting the teachersand the various components of the TIC program. Theprogram is always looking for volunteers to assist in theexpansion into more schools throughout Arizona. Anyonewho is interested in knowing more about the program or itsvolunteer opportunities is encourage to visit www.aztic.orgfor more information.

The Future The vision of Trout Unlimited is to ensure that robust

populations of native and wild coldwater fish once againthrive within their North American range so that children canenjoy healthy fisheries in their home waters. Trout-In-the-Classroom brings the importance of this vision directly tothe members of this next generation allowing them todiscover it for themselves.

“They’re hatching!” “Cool.” “Awesome.” Arizona TroutUnlimited Council would like to hear these expressions ofexcitement in even more classrooms in the coming yearsand will be working hard to make that happen acrossArizona.

For more information on Trout-In-the-Classroom andTrout Unlimited in Arizona visit www.aztic.org and www.az-tu.org.


Small Fry Fish in a Tank


AA s we contemplate the 20th anniversary of theArizona Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program,there is much to be proud of. We planned and

executed three weekend BOW workshops. We took onthe challange of hosting the 2015 BOW coordinatorsconference. We held an instructor appreciation campoutand dinner using game meats that we harvested. Buttime marches on. At this writing in early December, the2016 BOW Deluxe registration is posted and more thanhalf full. Final touches to the Spring registration are in theworks and ladies will be able to sign up in the next fewweeks.

The 2015 BOW Deluxe was held at Saguaro Lake Ranchin January. The ranch was initially built to house the contructionworkers of Stewart Mountain Dam. The Dam was completed in1930 and the property was turned into a fishing lodge andlater into the guest ranch that we have today. The cabins aretrue to the era with a few modern amenities. There is airconditioning but no television.

The BOW Deluxe was a full workshop with 40 ladiesparticipating. The weather was picture perfect with clearconditions. Everyone received tee shirts with our 20th yearlogo. I was especially pleased to be able to have a skywatching evening with comet Lovejoy as a special guest.Many thanks to Jan Weaver for bringing her fancy telescope forus to play with. The 2015 BOW Deluxe was embarassinglyeasy to coordinate with the entire weekend running smooth.

Dates for the 2015 coordinators conference were in earlyFebruary. Yep. We had roughly 10 days in between events! Forthe conference, we stayed with Saguraro Lake Ranch. TheGoldfield mountains and Bulldog cliffs make this scenic venuethe perfect place to show off our desert. We had coordinatorsrepresenting Alaska, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Montana,Arkansas, Maryland, Florida, Minnesota, New Hampshire, NewYork and California. Those states have awesome wildlands butArizona has the Sonoran Desert.

During the three day conference we had over 16 hours ofworking sessions. It was a brainstorming of 30 strong anddetermined women. Together we shared strategies to keepour program fresh and current without losing the primaryobjective. The goal is to create a fun outdoor learningexperience in a safe non-threatening manner with patiententusiastic instructors.

Hosting the conference was a personal challange and (Iam not going to lie) a whole bunch of stress for me. Theseladies are my peers and I wanted to show off our program andour state. Shuttles to and from the airport were arranged aswell as ‘Road Trip Morning’ and ‘BOW Outdoor Adventures’.Our amazing Arizona team of volunteers came through onceagain and we had the bonus of perfect weather. The delegatesloved our hospitality and headed home with memories ofFebruary sunshine and tools to make their program better.North Carolina hosts the next conference, scheduled for 2017.


by Linda Dightmon

WOW, WHAT A YEAR!WOW, WHAT A YEAR!

“I just wanted to extend a huge thank you to the coordinators, sponsors and instructors at BOW. I was born and raised ina family that camped, fished and hunted but I was never really able to do those things first-hand. In BOW, I felt the courageand strength to try new challenges without being belittled or embarrassed for my lack of knowledge (or skill!). I want toreally really thank you for making all participants feel warm and welcomed which enabled us to push our comfort zone(including going Aussie style!). I am now an official BOW groupie! “

Thank you again! Wendy Steward

2015 Wrap Up

A BOW Deluxe participant enjoys the trail ride in our iconicSonoran Desert at Saguaro Lake Ranch


COME JOIN US!2016 BOW Dates

Mesa - January 22-24 Prescott - April 15-17

Prescott - September 9-11

Scholarships available for April & SeptemberFor questions about the Becoming an OutdoorsWoman program:

Contact Kim at: [email protected] or 480-644-0077

In April, we returned to Friendly Pines Camp for thetwentieth Spring BOW workshop. The camp is located in thePonderosa pines of the Bradshaws about 20 minutes awayfrom downtown Prescott. This venue has been a children’ssummer camp since 1941, a vision from Bud and BrownieBrown. They are well known for Camp-Not-A-Wheeze forasmathic chldren and Camp Rainbow for kids with cancer orblood disorders. It is still ran by their decendents.

In 1995, the Arizona BOW founders discovered thecamp and saw it as the perfect place for our program. Itcould accommodate 100 participants plus instructors withclassrooms as well as sleeping areas. Each cabin hasbathrooms, heat, showers and bunks. Campers need to bringtheir own bedding and toiletries. There is a private pond forfishing and paddling classes, an archery range, the alwayspopular horseback trails and high ropes course. Perfect. Inthe philosphy of, ‘Why fix what isn’t broken?”, we have stayedthere from the get go. So, each year at the beginning and theend of the Friendly Pines season, the women invade thechildren’s camp.

Kathy Greene coordinated this April workshop. It was afull camp with over 90 women coming to learn and play with us.Once again we were really lucky with the weather. Sunny daysand mild nights were enjoyed. We had usual four, three-hoursessions with fun 1995 activites sprinkled in between. Therewas a scavenger hunt for 90’s items and ladies wearing grunge

outfits. Saturday night grossed $3,500 between raffles,auctions and Bowtique sales. We also recognized our 5 and 10year volunteer instructors.

In July, we held a ‘thank you’ instructor campout and wildgame dinner. It has always been a challange to find a time anda place for instructors to get together. We have tried dinnersand happy hours with limited success. Everyone has busylives but everybody camps. So why not a weekend campout?So many great ideas are hatched around a campfire. We heldthe event on the rim where it is cool. Folks could come just forthe Saturday night dinner or stay and camp. To celebrate our20th, we hired chefs to prepare the game feast. It featuredbuffalo, elk, deer and javelina.

The weather was a major snag in our plans, as unlike ourprevious events, it rained pretty much the ENTIRE weekend.Our turnout was not as hoped but the 25 plus that attendedenjoyed a five star dinner and great comradery albeit undertarp. We are going to try again in 2016 in a nearby campgroundthat allows rigs.

Our final workshop of the year took place at Friendly Pinesin September. We had a super full camp with 100 participantsand a dozen more on a wait list. With the exception ofone little thunder shower, the weather behaved. The entireweekend progressed without any real issues. That means thatforty plus sessions, three presentations, campfires, nightfishing, game tastes, and fly tying happpened without incident!

We had a wonderful Saturday evening raising another$3,500. Our program included recognizing board membersand volunteer instructors present. We learned a little historyfrom Mark Hullinger, one of the founders, and laughed at BOWFollie skits both old and new.

We were really lucky this year to have such great numbersin our workshops. With the extra heavy schedule and 20year preperations there was little time left for marketing. Wemaintaned the usual one third veteran and two thirds new ratio.

Attendence numbers indicate a real need for theBecoming an Outdoors-Woman program. For 2016, we will bedeveloping fun new graphics and returning to marketingefforts. I plan on using the space in this column to showcaseour talented instructors for they are the backbone of our suc-cess. We will do another campout in mid July for our instruc-tors.

The BOW Deluxe is filling up fast and the April BOW reg-istration will be out in early January. 2016 BOW dates areJanuary 22-24, April 15-17 and September 9-11. I hope thatyou can join us.


BOW Happenings

WHADDA’ YA’ KNOW (answers on page 21)

1. How did the city Flagstaff derive its name?2. When was the Arizona-Sonora Desert

Museum founded?3. What is the official state mammal?4. Where is the geographical core of Arizona?5. Marble Canyon of Grand Canyon derived its

name from?

The Paddling class practices maneuvers at Friendly Pines Pond



Arizona was not blessed with large deposits of oil and gasbut its abundant renewable resources of sun and wind willprovide the power for our future. Public lands in Arizona willplay a key role in the development of these resources. Thedevelopment of these resources will require large tracts ofpublic land. Currently the permitting process often impedes ordelays development of these valuable resources.

Development of large-scale renewable energy projectsalso impacts important fish and wildlife habitat and communityresources such as roads. The current royalty paymentstructure provides no funding to State, Counties or forconservation purposes.

Congressman Gosar introduced the Public LandsRenewable Energy Development Act (H.R.596 in the 113thCongress) with the support of nearly all of the ArizonaCongressional delegation. This Bill provides public landmanagement agencies with a permitting process tailored to theunique characteristics and impacts of renewable energyprojects.

This bipartisan bill removes government red tape anddevelops a streamlined process that will drive investmenttowards the highest quality renewable sources. The legislationalso establishes a revenue sharing mechanism that ensures a

fair return for all. The Public Lands Renewable EnergyDevelopment Act distributes revenues derived through this Actby returning 25% to the state where development takes place,25% to the counties of origin, 15% is directed for the purposesof more efficiently processing permit applications and reducingthe backlog of renewable energy permits, and 35% isdeposited into a fund for sportsmen and conservationpurposes, including increasing access and outdoor recreationlike hunting and fishing.

Federal lands are not taxed and this bill will provide animportant funding source for state and local governments todeliver critical services and develop much-needed capitalimprovement projects, such as road maintenance, publicsafety, and law enforcement. The bill also provides criticalfunding to mitigate the effects of these developments on fishand wildlife habitat and sportsmen access. This funding willensure that these developments can be done in a way thatminimizes negative environmental effects.

Congress deadlock is a reality these days. The PublicLands Renewable Energy Development Act is one of the fewbills that enjoy bipartisan support. Please take the time to letyour elected representatives know that you support this bill andwant to see it passed this Congress.

Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act

In this photo, l-r, are Ben Alteneder (AWF/TU), Steve LaFalce (TU State Regional Council), Sarah Luna (AWF), John Hamill(TRCP), Tice Supplee (AZ Antelope Foundation), Brad Powell (AWF/TU), Steve Clark (AZ Elk Society), and Congressman PaulGosar.

By Brad Powell



November 6, 2015

The Honorable Paul GosarU.S. House of Representatives504 Cannon HOBWashington, DC 20515

Dear Congressman Gosar:

We are very proud of the strong bipartisan support shown by Arizona’sCongressional Delegation in co-sponsoring and working for prompt action tomove the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act forward thisyear. On behalf of thousands of Arizona hunters and anglers we thank youfor your support and ask that you continue your efforts.

Arizona’s public lands provide some of our best opportunities to hunt andfish. We recognize that these same public lands also hold great potential forwind and solar energy development and that Arizona is one of six westernstates with designated public land solar energy development zones. Wesupport the development of renewable energy resources on public lands, aslong as it is done in the right places and in a manner that conserves fish andwildlife habitat.

The Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act insures that asubstantial portion of the royalty revenues generated by public landsrenewable energy development is applied to offsetting impacts on fishand wildlife habitat and hunting and fishing access. In addition it ensuresthat significant funds are provided to the State and County that thesedevelopments occur within. In doing so this measure moves wind and solardevelopment forward in a way that sustains our sporting heritage. Balancingdevelopment with protecting opportunities to hunt and fish is critical.

Support for this legislation is broad. In addition to sportsmen, the bill issupported by the National Association of Counties, the Western GovernorsAssociation, fish & wildlife and other outdoor recreation organizations,business groups and others.

Again we thank you for supporting this important legislation, and we lookforward to working with you to move the bill through the legislative process thisyear.

Sincerely,

Anglers UnitedDave Bohl, President

AZ Antelope FoundationShane Stewart, President

AZ Bass Federation NationDon McDowell, Conservation Chair

AZ Big Game Super RaffleCharlie Kelly

AZ Bowhunters AssociationRandy Ellard, Chairman

AZ Chapter of Safari Club InternationalGilbert Quintana, President

AZ Deer AssociationJohn Koleszar, Vice President

AZ Desert Bighorn Sheep SocietyGary Drake, President

AZ Elk SocietySteve Clark, Executive Director

AZ Flycasters ClubGary Lashewich, President

AZ Houndsmen’s AssociationFloyd Green, President

AZ Outdoor SportsTom Slaughter, President

AZ Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation Jim Unmacht, President

AZ State Council of Trout UnlimitedSteve LaFalce, Chairman

AZ Trout Unlimited – Zane GreyChapter Jim Walker, President

Arizona Wildlife FederationBrad Powell, President

Coconino SportsmenTom Mackin, President

Mohave Sportsman ClubRon Hooper, President

Outdoor Experience 4 AllEddy Corona

South Eastern Arizona Sportsmen ClubDaniel Ward, President

SRT OutdoorsPatrick McDowell

The Bass Federation AZDon McDowell

Xtreme Predator CallersRon Moore

1-2-3-Go…Janet Drake

ARIZONA WILDLIFE FEDERATIONPO Box 51510Mesa, AZ 85208

Arizona Organizations Unite in Support of PLRED



ranchers lost more than half of their livestock to starvation.From the outset of his Forest Service work in Arizona,

erosion became one of Leopold’s chief concerns. He soonrecognized that in most cases the onset of severe erosioncoincided with the introduction of livestock to the area. In SusanFlader’s The River of Mother of God and other Essays by AldoLeopold he is quoted: “At the mouth of one Utah canyon…..erosive deposits display seasonal color layers, from which achronology similar to that of tree rings has been built. It showsmore movement of soil since the introduction of livestock to thewatershed 50 years ago than had previously occurred since therecession of the glacial epoch.”

Leopold eventually came to the conclusion that “rangecontrol”, whether through a reduction in livestock numbers, or bybetter distribution of grazing pressure, was not enough. In aJournal of Forestry article he wrote: “The truth of matter is thatany system of grazing, no matter how conservative, induceserosion…..no system of range control…..can be relied upon tostop erosion already started.”

Early in his Forest Service career he had been inclined togo along with the wide-spread belief that the problem of grazing’sadverse impact on wildlife, on erosion, and on range productivityin general, could be resolved by adjusting livestock numbers torange carrying capacity. He gradually came to realize, however,that, in the southwest at least, any grazing was probably too much.In a 1937 article in American Forests he said: “I sometimeswonder whether semi-arid mountains can be grazed at all withoutultimate deterioration. I know of no arid region which has eversurvived grazing through long periods of time…..The trouble is thatwhere water is unevenly distributed and feed varies in quality,grazing usually means overgrazing.”

Leopold on Conservation GroupsMembers of the Arizona Wildlife Federation will be

surprised (as I was) to learn of Leopold’s involvement in thegenesis of the Federation. AWF members are familiar with someof the early history of the organization. They know it came intoexistence to do something about the politics then rampant in fishand wildlife management. They also know that eventually theAWF, in 1923, was successful in getting the legislation passed thatprovided for a policy-making Game and Fish Department subjectto a minimum of political interference. And they know, too, aboutthe role played by Tom McCullough, for which the McCulloughAward is named, in making it all happen.

What most did not know, never having read or heardanything about it, is that Aldo Leopold was involved in the earlystages of the formation of the Arizona Game ProtectionAssociation, the predecessor of the AWF! On page 156 of Meine’sBiography we find this: He, (Leopold), helped organize the firstGame Protective Associations in Arizona, at Flagstaff andSpringerville. he spoke to a large crowd at the Empress Theatrein Flagstaff. He then went on and formed two other local GPAs atTucson and Payson.”

He had earlier been instrumental in the formation of theNew Mexico Game Protective Association. On October 19, 1915,he led the organizational meeting and was elected secretary of theAlbuquerque Game Protective Association. Within a few monthshe had organized two other GPAs at Taos and Magdalena. Hisefforts at forming local GPAs culminated in the formation of theNew Mexico Game Protective Association on March 15, 1916, witha membership of 1000.

Within a year, through Leopold’s efforts, the organizedsportsmen had turned New Mexico into one of the mostprogressive states in the nation for game conservation. Theiraccomplishments were soon known throughout the country.Leopold received this letter from Theodore Roosevelt: “My dear

Mr. Leopold, through you I wish to to congratulate the AlbuquerqueGame Protective Association on what it is doing. I have just readthe Pine Cone. I think your platform simply capital. It seems to methat your association in New Mexico is setting an example for thewhole country. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt”

Aldo Leopold died April 21, 1948, of a heart attack whilefighting a grass fire nearer his beloved “shack”. This was theformer chicken coop rebuilt by Leopold and his family on the 160acre abandoned farm he purchased in 1935. He was determinedto restore it to its original condition and spent countless daysplanting thousands of trees of various species and doing the manyother things necessary to improve the area.

This worn out piece of land had become the focus ofmost of the Leopold family’s outdoor activities from the mid 1930’son. It was also the source of many of the observations woven intothe essays of the Almanac.

Leopold was 61 years old and at the peak of his powersat the time of his death. The conservation movement suffered asevere blow with his passing, and this loss was reflected in thecomments of his many friends and colleagues: “The cause ofconservation has lost its best friend.”……”Aldo was just reachingthe height of his powers and his wisdom, at the peak of his richand creative life.” “The things which Aldo gave to us are asdeathless as the Human Race.”

And what would Leopold think of the conservation andrelated events of the past 50 years? Surely there is much hewould deplore, including the proliferation of off-road and all-terrainvehicles, jet skis and 200 horsepower outboards. A man whofashioned his own osage orange and yew bows would probablylook with distaste at the weird, mechanical devices that pass as“bows” today. He would be unimpressed with the endless array ofgadgets of every conceivable size, shape, and color availabletoday, all of them intended to make life in the outdoors easier andto make the catching of fish and the taking of game just a questionof having the right lure, scent, or ultra high tech device. He wouldprobably not be surprised, but would be distressed, nonetheless,that conservationists are still fighting to eliminate overgrazing onour public lands.

But, I also think he would be pleased with somedevelopments that have occurred and some that did not come topass as he feared would happen at the time of his death. First,Leopold would applaud the fact that the proposed Rampart Damin Alaska and another in the Grand Canyon were never built. Hewould be delighted that many areas have been formally declared“Wilderness Areas.” I’m sure he would look favorably on theEndangered Species Act, despite its current shortcomings.

Considering his altered views on the large predators,especially the wolf, he would be especially pleased to know thatthe species has now been re-introduced into Idaho and intoYellowstone Park, and that releases of the Mexican Wolf will soontake place in the Blue Wilderness Area, the locale of Leopold’sonly first hand encounter with wolves.

And, perhaps most of all, he would realize his success asboth a father and a conservationist in the fact that all five of hischilden became recognized naturalists and conservationists intheir own right.

Join the AWF onFacebook!

www.facebook.com/azwildlife



Leopold’s reputation as a philosopher-environmentalist-ecologist has now reached a point where it is almost impossible topick up an article or other publication on the environment, naturalresources, or ecology, that doesn’t draw freely on the thoughtprovoking views so eloquently presented in the Sand CountyAlmanac. It is ironical that this is the only one of his publicationsthat has caught the attention of the public. While the Almanac isone of several books he published, Leopold was a prolific writerand wrote hundreds of popular and technical articles and papersfor newspapers, magazines and scientific journals.

Leopold’s name meant nothing to me personally until Ienrolled at Oregon State College (now University) in 1947 aimingfor a degree in Wildlife Management. His Game Management, a500 page hard cover book published in 1933, became the primarytext for an entire year in an introductory course in wildlifemanagement. At the time, and for years to come, it was the onlycomprehensive volume available as a wildlife management text.

While hundreds of scientific papers have since beenpublished, the product of a wealth of wildlife research, no one hasyet to produce as wide ranging a publication as GameManagement. In it, Leopold covers the entire spectrum of the thenembryonic field of wildlife management, drawing on his ownexperiences as well as those of published accounts. He alsorelied heavily on preliminary results of ongoing research, quotingextensively from the voluminous correspondence he carried onwith biologists throughout North America.

For much of this article, I have drawn heavily on CurtMeine’s excellent biography of Leopold, published in 1988. This isa fascinating account and I urge anyone interested in learningmore about this remarkable man to get a copy and read it.

Leopold spent only some nine years in the southwesternpart of the United States and only two years of that in Arizona.Despite his relatively brief stay here, he draws heavily on hisobservations in Arizona in the essays that comprise the Almanac.In the short span of this article, I will focus largely on his activitiesin the southwest and particularly in Arizona.

Leopold on HuntingLeopold grew up in a hunting family. His father, uncles,

and grandfather were all avid hunters. It’s not surprising then, thatLeopold himself was introduced to the sport at an early age anddeveloped what became a lifelong passion for it. Later in life, afterhe retired from the Forest Service and took the position of Director

of Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, he became fascinatedwith the sport of archery and was soon heavily involved in makinghis own bows, arrows and other archery equipment. Before longhe would be trying his skill at bow hunting for deer. His wife andchildren also became skilled archers, his wife, Estella, winning theWisconsin State archery championship five years running.

He was almost as fond of nature study, especially birdwatching, and hunting and birding complemented each other onhis outdoor outings. Frequently he would return from a huntwithout have fired a shot but would nevertheless consider it tohave been one of his red letter days having provided him theopportunity to add another bird to his “life list”, or because he hadhad the opportunity to record some hitherto unobserved facet ofanimal behavior. He considered hunting and the study of natureas activities that were not merely enjoyable, but absolutely vital tothe conduct of life. He thought that only reading came close tobeing as important a way to spend free time.

While most of his hunting was for waterfowl, rabbits andupland game, he also hunted whitetails and mule deer. Beginningwith a lengthy deer hunt in 1929, he made several two-week huntsin the Gila Wilderness Area in New Mexico and south in the SierraMadre Occidental in Chihuahua with his brother Carl and hisoldest son Starker. He and Starker always hunted with bow andarrow, Carl with a .30-.30.

Most environmentalists are probably little aware ofLeopold’s enthusiasm for hunting. For the most part, what theyknow about him they learned from reading his Almanac. Theessays comprising the original version of the Almanac, publishedin 1949, made scant reference to his love of hunting. This wasrectified in the enlarged version published in 1966, which containsa number of essays from another book, Round River was acollection of excerpts from Leopold’s hunting journals. It neverbecame popular because the lengthy series of hunting tales didn’tgo over well with non-hunting conservationists. Thankfully, someof the best of Round River was included in the later edition of theAlmanac.

Probably the best of these hunting essays is the one titledGoose Music. In my opinion it ranks up there with The Land Ethic,in the closing section of the Almanac. Every hunter should readboth essays not once but several times.

The closing sentences of this essay I’ll quote in full: “Ihope to leave them (his three sons) good health, an education,and possibly even a competence. But what are they going to do

Reproduced by Ryna Rock from AGPA Arizona Wildlife & Sportsman, Winter 1998

Historical Tales

ALDO LEOPOLDBy Steve Gallizioli
























with these things if there be no more deer in the hills, and no morequail in the coverts? No more snipe whistling in the meadow, nomore piping of widgeons and chattering of teal as darkness coversthe marshes; no more whistling of swift wings when the morningstar pales in the east? And when the dawn-wind stirs through theancient cottonwoods, and the gray light steals down from the hillsover the old river sliding softly past its wide brown sandbars—whatif there be no more goose music?” While Leopold is notrecognized as a poet, these lines are clearly more poetry thanprose.

Leopold on PredatorsTo the many protectionists who have adopted Leopold as

their patron saint, it may come as a surprise(shock!?)to learn thatfor most of the years he spent in Arizona and New Mexico,Leopold was in tune with the popular wisdom of the day. Hebelieved strongly that the road to game abundance called for aheavy dose of predator control. On occasion he got fired upenough to call for the total eradication of the large carnivores of thesouthwest.

In an article in the Pine Cone, an Albuquerque magazinehe edited, he called for a “practical, vigorous, and comprehensiveplan of action…..to meet this common problem”. The “commonproblem” was predators!

Apparently the popular crusade against predatorsgenerally, and the wolf in particular, soon achieved some measureof success. At the annual convention of the New Mexico GameProtective Association in 1920, the issue of predator control wassurprisingly conspicuous by its absence. The reason for this wasthat most of the wolves were gone. A year earlier J. Stokely Ligonof New Mexico, who had been charged with elimination of the wolf,estimated that no more than a dozen remained in the state. Acolleague guessed that there were even fewer in Arizona and thatit was likely that they had been totally eliminated from that state.

Leopold, however, was not satisfied with this state ofaffairs. He proclaimed that “….as the work (predator control)progresses, the remaining animals become fewer, moresophisticated, and more expensive to catch. It is going to takepatience and money to catch the last wolf or lion in New Mexico.But the last one must be caught before the job can be called fullysuccessful”.

It wasn’t until 1925, a year after the American Society ofMammalogists had argued, on scientific grounds, that large scalepredator control did more harm than good, that Leopold finallybegan to reconsider his long-held belief that the only goodpredator was a dead one. In a memo that year to one of hiscolleagues concerning management of the Wichita National Foresthe concluded with: “…..it is important to avoid the exterminationof predators……”

By 1929 reports of a growing over-populations of deer onthe Gila National Forest in New Mexico and the knowledge of whatwas happening on the Kaibab where an overpopulation of muledeer was destroying deer habitat resulted in Leopold’s moderatinghis views. He began to advocate that lions, at least, should beallowed to increase in numbers in the Gila.

Surprisingly, there is virtually no mention of wolves andmountain lions in Game Management, even though there isextensive discussion of smaller predators, e.g. fox, mink, skunk,and raptors.

By the end of 1936, Leopold had completely reversedhimself on predators. The turnabout apparently due to anepiphany he experienced on his hunts in the Sierra MadreOccidental in Mexico. There, on the Rio Gavilan, he found anunspoiled wilderness: clear trout streams, bordered by sycamoresand cottonwoods, lush rangelands, unlogged forests ”…..a pictureof ecological health….near to being the cream of creations.”

Here too, he found evidence of an abundance of lionsand wolves, (and, surprisingly, a scarcity of coyotes!) along with anequal abundance of prey species, especially deer and turkeys. Itwas here where he first realized clearly that land is an organism,and that elsewhere he had seen only sick land, whereas in theSierra Madres habitat and wildlife were still in perfect aboriginalhealth. Leopold may have been the first observer to consider theecological relationship of wolf and coyote. In American Forests,March 1937, writing again about his observations on the RioGavilan, he wrote: “There are no coyotes in the mountains,whereas with us there is a universal complaint….that the coyotehas invaded the higher country to wreak havoc on both gameand livestock……I submit for the conservationist to pounder thequestion whether the wolves have not kept the coyote out?”

It’s a question that has surfaced again with the currenteffort to reintroduce the Mexican wolf into its historic habitat in theBlue Wilderness Area. The question as now restated is: “Wouldthe wolf add significantly to the kill of big game by predators, assome hunters fear? Or might the wolf, by reducing the numbers ofthe now extremely abundant coyote, a predator known to preyheavily on deer fawns, actually be a beneficial influence?” Onlytime will tell—if the wolf again becomes an established presencein the Blue country.

Apparently the paragraph in Sand Country Almanacrelating the story of the mother wolf shot by Leopold and his crewalong the Blue river in Arizona, and the “fierce green fire in theeyes of the wolf……” was in the nature of atonement for hisearlier radical views of predators. Leopold had been encouragedby one of his PhD candidates to acknowledge in one of theseessays that his views on predators had undergone a major changeover the years. He finally did so with the anecdote about the wolfwith the “green fire” eyes.

Leopold on Livestock GrazingWhile his writings, during his time on the Apache National

Forest, speak mostly of his work surveying the timber resourceshe was, early on, confronted with a problem that was to plague himas long as he was a Forest Service employee—overgrazing bydomestic livestock. He left little in the way of a written record ofrange conditions, on the Apache, however, except to mention hishaving to check on overgrazed allotments.

Range conditions were apparently much worse on theCarson National Forest in northern New Mexico, than on theApache, when he was transferred two years later. Overgrazingwas so prevalent that it quickly became one of Leopold’s biggestproblems. At the time, there were 220,000 cattle and 1,750,000sheep on the Carson. Leopold noted that because of severeovergrazing “There is practically no game in this country…..”.

Ranchers on the Carson were unwilling to accept the newgrazing restrictions imposed in early 1912. Leopold’s job was tosee that they obeyed them. In a letter home he reported: “By God,the Individual Allotment and every other reform we have promisedis going to stick—if it takes a six-shooter to do it!” Leopold and hisrangers, however, managed to keep their revolvers holstered; theirtask called more for diplomacy than gun play.

Soon, Leopold began having problems with hissupervisor over livestock grazing. He pushed hard for fewer headof livestock on overgrazed ranges; his supervisor preferred not tomake waves.

The first World War undid whatever had beenaccomplished to improve range conditions. Believing it necessaryto raise a maximum amount of beef for “our boys in Europe”, allrestraints on grazing were lifted. The result was overgrazing on anunprecedented scale. An unintended consequence was the deathof thousands of cattle to starvation. On the Tonto National Forestin Arizona, in the years immediately following the war, some



and garlic powder. Cut 2-3 slices of butter from a stick ofbutter and place on top of squash. Roll aluminum foilshut in the center and then on the ends. Place on grill oron the hot coals in your campfire and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until tender. This will cook faster on hotcoals.

Cherry Chocolate Fudge Cake

2 (1-oz) cans cherry pie filling any ingredients needed for cake mix1 (1 lb 2.25-oz) pkg chocolate fudge cake

Pour pie filling into bottom of a 12-inch dutch oven. Mixup the cake mix according to package directions andgently pour over the cherries. Cover and cook 45-60minutes-test with toothpick. Do not overcook on thebottom.

By Ryna Rock

Dan’s Saucy Chicken

6-8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/3 c cider vinegar2 Tbsp canola oil1/2 c brown sugar1 medium onion, chopped 3 Tbsp soy sauce1 medium green pepper, chopped 1 (12 oz) can tomato paste1/2 c mild salsa

Brown chicken in oil in a 12-in dutch oven. Combine restof ingredients and pour over chicken. Simmer in dutchoven until cooked (approx. 1 hr)

Grilled Squash

1 medium zucchini squash garlic powder2 small yellow squash salt and pepperButter

Wash and prepare squash to cook on grill. Cut squash inlong spears rather than slices. Place in the center of apiece of aluminum foil large enough to roll shut aroundthe squash. Sprinkle with a small amount of salt, pepper,

Camp Cook

Top Bottom10-inch 10 to 12 8 to 1012-inch 12 to 14 10 to 1214-inch 14 to 16 12 to 1416-inch 16 to 18 14 to 16

Oven size Number of briquettes

WHADDA’ YA’ KNOWAnswers

1. Flagstaff derived its name from a flag-raising ceremony held on the Fourth of July in 1876. Boston travelers chose a tall pine, trimmed its branches from the bottom up and attached a flag to the top in of observance of the nation’s centennial.

2. 1952 and is dedicated to the interpretation of the bi-national Sonoran Desert region.

3. Ringtail – It is a small creature and has some similarities with the fox. The length is around 2.5 feet and is a timid, night-time animal.

4. It is located 55 miles southeast of Prescott.

5. Named by John Wesley Powell, in his words, "The limestone of the canyon is often polished, and makes a beautiful marble. Sometimes the rocks are of many colors - white, gray, pink, and purple, with saffron tints"

BOW Scholarships

Did you know that ...Scholarships are availablefor first time attendingBecoming an OutdoorWoman participants? The next opportunity forapplication will be for the2016 April workshop.

Go to www.azwildlife.orgfor applications.



Judy Ahlstrom Chandler AZBrian Baker Mesa AZKevin Casey Phoenix AZConnie Duchaine Escanaba MIJohn Frabotta Mesa AZClayton Harper San Tan Valley AZEd Heiser San Tan Valley AZTina Howard Victorville CAElsbeth Hurry Phoenix AZKarina Jones Gilbert AZPat Lamb Walker MNKathleen Leathers Sun City West AZLisa McCarrell Victorville CAMarjorie O'Donnell Selkirk NYNina Olsen Surprise AZJacob Pettit Gilbert AZJan Ryan Bainbridge Isl WALevi Slade Mesa AZLinda Smith Prescott AZMaureen Walsh Arcade NYCarol Wicklund Tucson AZ

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INSTRUCTOR YEARS OF SERVICE

20 years (Founders)Don FarmerMark Hullinger

15 yearsLinda Dightmon Don GreeneKathy Greene Russ GundersonBrian Mazoyer Amanda MoorsJeff Sorenson

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Arizona Wildlife FederationPO Box 51510 Mesa, AZ 85208(480) 644-0077Fax: (480) [email protected]

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arizona wildlife winter 2015 news · 2019-10-29 · back cover courtesy of photography student...

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